Act Two (2) Synopsis

Synopsis of An Enemy of the People Act 2

This scene is held in Dr. Stockmann’s study early in the morning. Dr. Stockmann is chatting with his wife as they anticipate Peter Stockmann’s reactions. The doctor ideally thinks that Peter Stockmann will be happy with the discovery. He may however be jealous that it is he, not himself who made the discovery.
    MR Kiil, MRS. Stockmann’s father comes in and does not quite agree with Dr. Stockmann’s findings. He is however exited that Dr. Stockmann is able to attack the city’s leadership. This would be like revenge after Morten Kiil was hounded out of the town council.

He is even willing to donate ten pounds to a charitable organization in celebration. Apparently, Morten Kiil does not understand the effect the discovery would have on his tannery. It is this tannery among other industries that are polluting the baths
    Hovstad’s visit opens another debate. He intends to use Dr. Stockmann’s findings to bring a political revolution. He says that his main idea was to break the ring of the self opinionated old fossils that held all influence. He even declares himself a journalist of democratic tendencies of his own, taking it upon himself to emancipate the humble and oppressed masses.
    Further discourse when Aslaksen arrives leaves the doctor overwhelmed. Aslaksen has promised him support of the temperance society as well as that of the house owners association. Aslaksen is well respected in these organizations. The doctor sees it unthinkable for the mayor to refuse to make the changes. He nevertheless allows Hovstad to print the article if it comes to that.
    When Peter Stockmann arrives, he is not only concerned that the doctor avoided telling him before, but also the thought that the report is exaggerated.  This report, apart from costing the town a lot of money, will taunt his name. This is because he had made a damnable blunder during the establishment of the baths. He demands that the report be withheld so that the committee may introduce certain improvements slowly with a reasonable expenditure.
    Dr. Stockman, convinced that he had the truth and the compact majority behind him stands his ground. He asserts that the liberal-minded-independent press would take up the issue and force the leaders to oblige. The mayor is not impressed. He points out that the issue is not entirely scientific -it had an economical and a technical side as well.
    In the height of their argument, Peter tells his brother that his offensive insinuation makes him an enemy of the community. The mayor leaves angrily again. Meanwhile, Mrs. Stockmann, who takes a slightly different opinion from her husband – if only for her family, tries to cool him down. Though she is loyal to him, she doesn’t find it practically viable to put up a fight between himself and the major. Petra secretly worships her fathers stand and encourages him to keep up the fight.

    CRITICAL LESSONS From Act two Synopsis

1. The doctor is supported by the independent press. He does not however realize that Hovstad’s plans are eccentric and self-seeking. He would only support him to make a name for himself and the newspaper, for having started a revolution.
2. Aslaksen’s support is overwhelming yet considering his personality and the caution and moderation he advocates for, one gathers that he cannot move anywhere.
3. The mayor raises serious questions against the doctor’s report. Failure to consider financial and technical implications is a big blow to him. Even in the face of all these, the doctor does not want to come to a compromise and find a new solution.
4. The doctor is warned about the effects of his discovery to him and his family. He however does not take it kindly. He vows to fight for his truth even when called an enemy of the people.